The Tech Blog Writer Podcast - Inspired Tech Startup Stories & Interviews With Tech Leaders, Entrepreneurs And Innovators

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we ask: How does a small Barcelona-based startup transform into Spain's second tech unicorn, expanding across 25 countries and impacting millions of lives? Join us as we explore this intriguing journey with Sacha Michaud, co-founder of Glovo. Sacha delves into the fascinating story of Glovo, conceptualized with his co-founder Oscar Pierre. From its inception as a simple delivery service, Glovo has evolved into a multi-faceted platform, offering various products beyond restaurant food - including groceries, flowers, electronics, and even fashion. We'll uncover the strategies and innovations that propelled Glovo to its unicorn status and how it's reshaping the delivery industry. But Glovo's story isn't just about business growth; it's also a tale of social responsibility and positive impact. Sacha shares insights into Glovo's Impact Fund and the groundbreaking Courier's Pledge, initiatives demonstrating a deep commitment to couriers and communities. We'll hear about the s

In today's Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we delve into the increasingly relevant and rapidly evolving world of solar energy. With a global shift towards sustainability, solar energy is not just a buzzword but a practical solution for property owners to reduce energy costs. The last decade has seen a remarkable 70% drop in the cost of solar equipment, making it more accessible than ever. Additionally, energy storage, now a part of 40% of residential solar installations, is a game-changer, particularly for businesses looking to eliminate demand charges. We're joined by James Kennedy from Beach Cities Solar Consulting LLC to navigate these exciting developments. With his deep expertise in solar and renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and personal finance, James shares invaluable insights into the technological advancements in the solar industry and how these can economically benefit both homeowners and businesses.  His journey from finance to founding Beach Cities Solar Consulting is a testament to his commi

In today's Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we ask: "As we race to embrace the transformative powers of generative AI, are we adequately considering the ethical, societal, and environmental impacts of this technology?" Joining us is a distinguished guest, Francesca Rossi, IBM Fellow, AI Ethics Global Leader, and a Co-Author of ACM's TechBrief on Generative Artificial Intelligence. Francesca brings her extensive expertise to shed light on the pressing issues surrounding the rapid commercialization of generative AI technologies. Our conversation dives into the profound implications of AI on the workforce, with the startling revelation from ACM's TechBrief that generative AI will significantly impact an estimated 80 percent of U.S. workers. Francesca will discuss the need for comprehensive AI policies incorporating end-to-end governance approaches, addressing risks at every AI development and deployment stage. We'll explore IBM's pioneering role in developing ethical AI principles. Francesca will share insight

Is it possible for enterprises to transform an often-overlooked IT expense into a robust profit center? In our latest Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we delve into this intriguing possibility with Amitabh Sinha, the CEO of Workspot and a seasoned Citrix executive. Amitabh brings his wealth of experience to the table, unraveling the complexities and potential of end-user computing in today's multi-cloud environment. In an era where terms like "next-gen" and "revolutionary" are thrown around liberally, Amitabh helps us cut through the noise. He sheds light on the concrete meaning of these terms within the realm of end-user computing, emphasizing the integration of diverse environments – from on-premises to hybrid and cloud solutions, encompassing giants like Azure, Google, and AWS. However, the journey is not without its challenges. Amitabh discusses the intricate hurdles that IT leaders face in managing and harmonizing different private and public cloud systems. The critical question he addresses: How can bu

Have you ever considered how your workplace educates its staff about cybersecurity? Do they use engaging, even humorous, methods to make the information stick? In a world where compliance training often becomes a forgettable ritual, finding innovative ways to raise awareness about cybersecurity is crucial.   Gary Chan is a pioneer in blending cybersecurity education with entertainment. Three years ago, Gary shared his insights on Free Security Awareness Training. Now, he's back to discuss his unique approach to driving security initiatives through entertainment. Gary has spent a year creating a cybersecurity + mentalism educational entertainment show that's been a hit in cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Phoenix, St. Louis, and even Warsaw, Poland. His approach isn't just about educating; it's about engaging and making an impression. From putting security messages in fortune cookies to designing custom mugs for password policy changes, Gary turns potential objections into opportunities for storytelling and awar

How often have we longed for a smoother, more efficient travel experience? In this Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we delve into the innovative world of airport biometrics and digital identity solutions with Jason Van Sice, the Vice President of Advanced Recognition Systems at NEC Corporation of America. Jason is at the forefront of revolutionizing air travel by integrating biometric tools such as facial recognition systems and fingerprint scans. These technologies are not just about enhancing security; they transform the traveler experience. From reducing check-in times to making boarding seamless, NEC's approach to digitizing travel is paving the way for a future where your face is your passport. We explore the recent implementation of new biometric tools at Frankfurt Airport and the overall digital transformation of travel. Jason shares insights on how these technologies reduce operational struggles for airlines and airports, leading to fewer delays and misplaced baggage. But it's not just about convenie

In this inspiring episode of Tech Talks Daily, Neil Hughes invites Jennifer Jane Young, author of "Say Yes to Your YES: How to Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap," to explore the intersection of intuition, technology, and personal growth. Jennifer, an entrepreneur who transcended anxiety and the confines of traditional education, shares her compelling journey. She delves into how embracing technology was pivotal in transforming her life and business, helping her harness her intuition and creativity. We dive deep into Jennifer's background, understanding how her struggles shaped her path to entrepreneurship and her unique approach to technology. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief and taking risks. Jennifer also talks about her book, "Say Yes to Your YES: How to Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap."  The episode also sheds light on the evolving role of technology in our lives. Jennifer views technology as a powerful enabler, amplifying human capabilities and fostering connections. Her excitement ab

Shawn Herring, the Chief Marketing Officer at airSlate, joins me in an insightful conversation exploring the nuances of AI and automation in small businesses. With his extensive experience in scaling marketing teams from startups to major enterprises, Shawn brings a unique perspective on how these technologies are not just tools for the future but actively shaping the present landscape of business operations. Our discussion starts by looking at airSlate's recent report, which provides a startling insight: an overwhelming 94% of small businesses feel confident about embracing AI and automation. This statistic opens the door to a broader conversation about why small businesses, often perceived as cautious or conservative in their approach to new technologies, are leading the charge in this arena. Shawn shares his thoughts on how AI and automation can be seen from two angles – as friends or foes. For many small businesses, these technologies have emerged as allies in their journey toward growth and efficiency. T

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I welcome Dr. Allen Yang, the Co-Founder of Hitch Interactive on the show, to discuss the innovative intersection of AI, blockchain, and culinary arts through the lens of the new NFT project, Yami Hamo. Hitch Interactive, known for combining advanced technology with education, has ventured into uncharted territory with Yami Hamo, representing a unique fusion of gourmet dishes and NFT technology. Dr. Yang, with his extensive background as a serial entrepreneur and an 18-year tenure as a UC Berkeley faculty member, delves into the creation of Hitch Interactive in 2019. His journey in AR and VR technologies since 2015 has culminated in this groundbreaking project. Yami Hamo, Hitch Interactive’s first NFT collection, showcases 1000 gourmet dishes, each depicted in an NFT with intricate artwork and embedded data designed to educate about culinary culture. This NFT collection is not just a visual feast but also serves as a tool to train a private AI assistant in the

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we are delighted to welcome Gil Rosen, the CMO of Amdocs, who brings a unique blend of expertise as a futurist, innovator, and sociologist. Gil's multifaceted role at Amdocs extends beyond the conventional boundaries of marketing, driving him to influence technology developments and the overarching direction of the company through cross-departmental collaboration. Today's conversation centers around a crucial technological advancement shaping our world: 5G. Amidst growing discussions and sometimes skepticism around 5G, Gil offers a refreshing perspective on why this technology is not just a fleeting trend but a transformative force in the telecom industry. He delves into the "the 5G iceberg" concept, dissecting how 5G continues to empower networks to innovate and unlock new services.  Gil also addresses the common misconception about the early transition to 6G. He believes that to harness the power of 5G truly, there needs to be a comprehensive shift of core ecosystems to

I sat down with Simon Taylor, founder and CEO of HYCU Inc., to discuss the rapidly escalating challenge of SaaS data protection. As SaaS applications become increasingly integral to IT infrastructure, their vulnerabilities are more exposed than ever. Simon Taylor, with his book "Averting the SaaS Data Apocalypse," offers a timely and critical insight into this growing issue. The episode begins with Simon Taylor introducing HYCU, the world's fastest-growing SaaS data backup and security business. He lays the groundwork by highlighting the vulnerability of SaaS data, noting that 52% of ransomware attacks occur through these applications. Despite the widespread use of SaaS apps across departments like finance, marketing, and HR, a staggering majority lack enterprise-grade data protection. We explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding SaaS data protection. They discuss the prevalent belief that SaaS data is automatically protected, a dangerous assumption given that most vendors only protect infrastructure,

I sat down with Gal Elbaz, the co-founder and CTO of Oligo Security, to discuss the vulnerabilities and challenges within open-source software. Gal Elbaz, renowned for his pivotal discovery of a critical vulnerability in an open source library used by Instagram, brings his extensive experience and knowledge to the forefront. He will discuss his journey from being a security researcher at Check Point to founding Oligo Security. This transition marks a significant shift from identifying vulnerabilities to developing robust solutions for open source security.   The episode also highlights Oligo Security's innovative approach to tackling the vulnerabilities in open source software. Special attention is given to their recent discovery, 'ShellTorch', a critical vulnerability within TorchServe, a component of the PyTorch ecosystem. This discovery is particularly noteworthy considering TorchServe's widespread use across major global corporations.   I learn how Oligo Security leverages eBPF-powered platforms to enabl

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I welcome Nathan Leung, co-founder and host of Cryptonauts, a platform renowned for its insightful crypto and blockchain content. Nathan joins us to explore the vital role of education in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Nathan's journey into the crypto world is as fascinating as inspiring. Having transitioned from a career in Hollywood production, where he worked on commercials for renowned brands, to cryptocurrency, Nathan brings a unique perspective. His foray into crypto began in 2016, sparked by a neighbor's belief in Ethereum's potential. This encounter led to Cryptonauts, a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the complexities of the crypto world for a global audience. With over 3 million channel views and nearly 100k subscribers, Cryptonauts is a testament to Nathan's commitment to making crypto education accessible and engaging. The channel is known for its high-quality explainer videos, humanizing documentaries, and comprehensive conference coverage

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I had the privilege of hosting Todd Olson, CEO of Pendo, for a fascinating discussion that traverses the realms of product analytics, AI adoption, and digital customer experiences. Todd's insights offer a deep dive into the evolving landscape where traditional companies increasingly identify as tech entities, requiring significant shifts in mindset and strategy. Todd elaborates on how enterprises are undergoing a paradigm shift, moving from project-based work to embracing the agility and continuous iteration technology enables. This transition necessitates shorter cycle times in software development, allowing rapid user feedback and influencing subsequent releases. Todd underscores the importance of transitioning from a 'project' to a 'product' mentality, highlighting that software demands ongoing care and nurturing. A critical aspect of our conversation revolves around the differing attitudes towards AI adoption in Europe and the United States. Todd points out that Eur

Today, we're delving into a topic quietly shaping the environmental discourse in the tech world – the ecological impact of data storage. Matt Watts, the Chief Technology Evangelist at NetApp, joins me and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this vital discussion. As businesses continue to expand their digital footprints, the need for sustainable data storage practices has become increasingly critical. With his decade-long tenure at NetApp, Matt has closely observed and participated in technological shifts and strategic evolutions within the industry. He brings to the table his experience and insights into the recent push towards sustainability in data management. In our conversation, Matt delves into how organizations can navigate the green data blind spot. He highlights the importance of understanding the environmental footprint of data storage and how businesses can leverage this knowledge to drive sustainable practices. Matt's perspective is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it's about

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we embark on an enlightening journey into the complex yet crucial world of designer-developer relationships. Our special guests, Lauren Andres, a Designer Advocate, and Jenny Lea, a Software Engineer from Figma, join us to unravel the intricacies of this dynamic through the lens of Figma's groundbreaking innovation, DevMode. The conversation opens with exploring the traditional challenges that have long defined the designer-developer dynamic. With their rich backgrounds in design and development, Lauren and Jenny shed light on the often fraught nature of this relationship. They emphasize how differing perspectives and languages can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies in the collaborative process. This is where DevMode comes into play. Lauren and Jenny delve into how this new tool from Figma revolutionizes how designers and developers interact and collaborate. DevMode, they explain, is not just a technological solution but a transformative approach to aligning l

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Roshmond "Sum" Patten, the innovative Creative Director at GLOW, to delve into a topic that is becoming increasingly crucial in the creative industry: the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and creativity. Sum, a specialist in AI with a rich background in music, copywriting, and creative direction, brings a unique perspective to this discussion. Sum's journey is as diverse as it is impressive. He has worked with tech giants like Microsoft, Fox, and Disney in research and community management, and his expertise extends to music streaming, where he trained music discovery algorithms for some of today's biggest platforms. His creative flair is not just confined to technology; he's also a celebrated musician and a two-time Independent Music Award nominee, featuring his work in major TV shows and video games. Sum emphasized the critical need for creatives to discuss AI in our conversation. AI continues to play a pivotal role in our industry, and

I sit down with Dima Kats, the visionary CEO behind Clear Junction, a  company on a mission to reshape the landscape of global payments. Founded in 2016, Clear Junction emerged from a need identified by Kats and his financial experts: a gap in the market for efficient, cost-effective cross-border payment solutions for businesses and financial institutions.  With a background rich in fintech and a keen eye for the challenges faced by the industry, Kats set out to revolutionize how financial institutions engage with banking partners and handle international transactions. Clear Junction's journey involves innovation, perseverance, and strategic foresight. The company, leveraging its proprietary technology, has successfully addressed some of the most pressing issues in global payments, such as high foreign exchange fees, prolonged settlement times, and limited access to multi-country payment options. These solutions have propelled Clear Junction's growth and provided a lifeline to many businesses and financial in

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we delve into a crucial and timely topic at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. Our guest is Arshan Dabirsiaghi, a renowned security researcher turned entrepreneur, whose unique journey from the helm of a successful software security unicorn to the founder of Pixee is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Arshan's story is not just about technological innovation; it's also a testament to the resilience and dreams of immigrants, as his father's immigration story vividly illustrates. The core of our discussion revolves around a burgeoning issue in the tech world: the increasing reliance on Large Language Models (LLMs) like GitHub's Copilot in software development. With an estimated 46% of code on GitHub now generated by LLMs, we're witnessing a seismic shift in how software is created. However, this shift brings with it a host of security challenges. Historically, developers have not been primarily focused on security, a gap that has led to numerous vulnerabilities an

Michael Lemashov, a seasoned SAP expert and Head of SAP Business Platform at JDC Group, joins me on Tech Talks Daily. Bringing over two decades of experience in various SAP roles, Michael's insights illuminate the path for businesses navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our discussion takes a deep dive into the significance of 2027 for SAP ECC customers, marking a critical deadline for migration to S/4HANA or extending maintenance. Michael will explore the nuances of this deadline and its far-reaching implications for enterprises around the globe. He also tackles the typical challenges encountered in cloud migration, such as the lack of a clear strategy and the increased complexity of IT landscapes, which collectively contribute to the difficulties organizations face in this transition. A focal point of our conversation will be SAP Clean Core, a methodology designed to enhance flexibility and stability by reducing technical debt before cloud migrations. Michael will elaborate on how this approac